Black Friday Shopping Strategies From Top Interior Designers

Today is Black Friday, the one time of the year that makes it semi-acceptable to run down store aisles with carts and grab flat-screen TVs off of the shelves like an animal foraging in the wild. Yes, a deal on home goods today is worth a little extra effort, but that doesn’t mean you have to go completely nuts in the process. Strategizing is the best thing that any brave Black Friday shopper can do, especially when it comes to picking up the items you need for your own home. Some of the more practical items to buy today include washers and dryers, dishwashers, or large pieces of furniture like a couch or a dining room table. You can also indulge in those high-priced decor items you wouldn’t normally splurge on. Or, tick off all of the things you need for your holiday hosting duties, like candles and cocktail napkins.

Below, four of the industry’s most in-demand designers divulge their personal secrets to shopping for themselves and for their clients on Black Friday. So go ahead, sidestep the chaos and come back to a very happy, well-appointed home.

“I always buy candles, bedding, and appliances! You can get a $100 candle for half the price and 600-plus thread-count sheets and pillowcases for up to 75 percent off. Also, almost every appliance dealer offers great sales on dishwashers, washing and drying machines, and more. I always go to the big bargain stores like Bed Bath & Beyond and Target for these items.”—Samuel Amoia

“Black Friday is always a great time to stock up on new bedding. I always see great offers on linens, comforters, and pillows. I would absolutely take advantage of those deals and see it as a time to toss the worn-out sheets for some new bedtime threads.

“I often recommend to my clients that they consider buying any outdoor furniture they need during Black Friday. The combination of it being off-season coupled with sale time can be really enticing. When Memorial Day rolls around, you will be glad you did it.

“Also, a new sofa would be the Black Friday furniture item of my personal choice! If you do your homework, you can find an incredible deal and replace the worn-out sofa you have been crying about. Don’t be afraid to ask about buying the floor model with extra off. Sofas are a big-ticket item, so the sales really help with making this big purchase affordable.”—Lauren Soloff

“The day after Thanksgiving is the perfect time to stock up on entertaining supplies for the holidays. Rather than rush out to the stores with the masses, I prefer to stay close to home and take stock of what’s in short supply. I then place orders online—typically from the comfort of a fireside chair!

“Frequently on my list are plenty of votive and taper candles, a fresh supply of dinner and cocktail napkins, mixers, and essentials for the bar including necessary liquors and a good house white and red wine, snacks such as spicy pecans and cheese straws, and any needed glass or dinnerware replacements.”—Ken Fulk

“Black Friday is the perfect kickoff for any interior design project. We typically buy larger items like furniture, rugs and carpets, bed and bath equipment, lighting and mirrors. With many high-end furniture brands there is a long lead time, between 12 and 16 weeks, and on Black Friday we can often get away with buying the floor model or getting the piece from inventory—and nobody likes to wait when it comes to their home.”—Søren Rose